Photos

Large Crowd Gathers to Commemorate 50th Anniversary of MLK's March on Washington

Celebrities, politicians, along with thousands of people braved the rain to remember the powerful speech

Betty Waller Gray (C) of Richmond, Virginia, listens during the 'Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action' honoring the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on the National Mall August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The 1963 landmark civil rights event was where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech, saying, 'I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream...one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, 'We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal.' I have a dream . . .' (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama, former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton look on as Martin Luther King Jr family members ring the bell during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama speaks during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama speaks during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, former president Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton arrive during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul- searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Former US President Bill Clinton speaks during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

President Barack Obama (L) shakes hands with former U.S. President Bill Clinton during the ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Former US President Bill Clinton hugs US President Barack Obama after speaking during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands gathered on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Oprah Winfrey speaks during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, along with former US President Bill Clinton(back R) and Jimmy Carter(back L), arrive during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks during the ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

People sing along to gospel music during a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Signs reading 'We Demand Equality For All' lie on the ground after being given out during the ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Oprah Winfrey arrives during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul- ching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

People gather around the refelcting pool while attending the ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Thousands of people march from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial during the 'Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action' honoring the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The 1963 landmark civil rights event was where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech, saying, 'I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream...one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, 'We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal.' I have a dream . . .' (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

People march from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial during the 'Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action' honoring the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The 1963 landmark civil rights event was where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech, saying, 'I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream...one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, 'We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal.' I have a dream . . .' (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

(L-R) John Mbugua and his son Giovanni Mbugua, 6, of San Jose, California, and Lavon Johnson and his son Mason Johnson, 2, of Fort Meade Maryland, greet one another while marching with thousands of other people from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial during the 'Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action' honoring the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The 1963 landmark civil rights event was where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech, saying, 'I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream...one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, 'We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal.' I have a dream . . .' (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

People march from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial during the 'Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action' honoring the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The 1963 landmark civil rights event was where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech, saying, 'I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream...one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, 'We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal.' I have a dream . . .' (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Joyce Elliotte of Temple Hills, Maryland, joins thousands of people as they march from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial during the 'Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action' honoring the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The 1963 landmark civil rights event was where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech, saying, 'I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream...one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, 'We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal.' I have a dream . . .' (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

People brave light rain as they arrive near at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary on the March on Washington, the civil rights watershed where Martin Luther King, Jr., declared: 'I have a dream.' The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

The T-shirt of a woman is pictured as people brave light rain near at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary on the March on Washington, the civil rights watershed where Martin Luther King Jr famously declared: 'I have a dream.' The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

People stand in front of the Lincol Memorial during the 'Let Freedom Ring' ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 2013 in Washington. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

People sit in the rain during the 'Let Freedom Ring' ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

People brave light rain as they arrive near at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary on the March on Washington, the civil rights watershed where Martin Luther King Jr famously declared: 'I have a dream.' The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

People brave light rain as they arrive near at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary on the March on Washington, the civil rights watershed where Martin Luther King Jr famously declared: 'I have a dream.' The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Comedian and actor Chris Tucker attends the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Director of the National Park Service Jonathan Jarvis (R) speaks as Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray listens during the Let Freedom Ring ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The event was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Performers from the Bahamas dance a Junkanoo during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray speaks during the Let Freedom Ring ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The event was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

A member of a Junkanoo band performs during the 'Let Freedom Ring' ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom , August 28, 2013 in Washington. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

U.S. Sen. Angus King (D-ME) speaks during the Let Freedom Ring ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The event was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

People listen to a speaker at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2013 during a ceremony to commemorate of the 50th anniversary on the March on Washington, the civil rights watershed where Martin Luther King Jr famously declared: 'I have a dream.' The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

A woman listens to a speaker at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2013 duriing a ceremony to commemorate of the 50th anniversary on the March on Washington, the civil rights watershed where Martin Luther King Jr famously declared: 'I have a dream.' The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

People listen to a speaker at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2013 duriing a ceremony to commemorate of the 50th anniversary on the March on Washington, the civil rights watershed where Martin Luther King Jr famously declared: 'I have a dream.' The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul-searching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Civil rights activist Rev. Joseph Lowery watches traditional Maori dancers from Destiny Church, New Zealand perform during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Dancers performs during the 'Let Freedom Ring' ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom , August 28, 2013 in Washington. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

People cover themselves with rain-poncho during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul- ching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

LeAnn Rimes performs the song Amazing Grace during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Singer Natalie Grant performs during the Let Freedom Ring ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. The event was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Rev. Joseph Lowery speaks during a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom , August 28, 2013 in Washington. It was 50 years ago today that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream Speech' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

US singer Jamie Foxx speaks during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. The March on Washington is best remembered for King's stirring vision of a United States free of inequality and prejudice, telecast live to a nation undergoing a phenomenal decade of soul- ching, crisis and change. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

US-POLITICS-MLK-MARCH-ANNIVERSARY
Caption: Reverend Al Sharpton speaks during the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 2013. Thousands will gather on the mall on the anniversary of the march and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)